BBMP lost Rs 200 crore due to lapses by government officials

Bengaluru: The Chairman of BBMP Standing Committee for Taxation and Finance, Gunashekar, alleged that BBMP exchequer had incurred a loss of Rs 200 crore in the past 3 years due to lapses by lower-rung officials, who failed to collect property tax.

Addressing media personnel on Thursday, Gunashekar said "Lower-rung officials are not under the control of BBMP Commissioner. It is because of their lack of responsibility and carelessness, BBMP exchequer lost Rs 200 crore as property tax." The irregularities were rampant in Mahadevapura, Yelahanka, Dasarahalli and BBMP East zones, he added.

He pointed out that the main problem was that the property tax was not fixed for high rise buildings. Since 2015, 16,707 buildings have been issued Occupancy Certificate (OC), but they have not been brought under the tax net, thereby incurring a loss of Rs 200 crore to BBMP exchequer.

When we seek information on the number of OCs granted and  the tax amount collected, the lower rung officials aren't ready to divulge any information either to me nor the BBMP Commissioner, clearly indicating that they have allowed irregularity by working hand-in-glove with property tax defaulters, Gunashekar lamented. He said he has issued a week's ultimatum to eight zonal officers to divulge details relating to OCs granted and property tax collect. Gunashekar warned that those officials who do not fall in line will have to face an inquiry by BBMP Restructuring Committee, headed B.S. Patil.